Back Pain
Share:
Research shows that the amount of young people suffering from back and neck pain has increased with almost half of 16-24 year olds suffering from some sort of back or neck issue. Last years figures show that 28% of 18-24 year olds suffered from back pain.
Lack of exercise and sitting still for a long period of time are the main causes of back pain, with the average person spending 10 hours sitting and only two hours being active throughout the day.
Chiropractor Tim Hutchful from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) says, ” “We’re seeing a rise in the number of people experiencing back and neck-related problems because our modern lifestyle is forcing us to stay seated and I’m concerned that the number of patients under the age of 30 coming through our doors is increasing.”
Each day we spend an astonishing 1.8 hours on our phones and tablets, 3.7 hours on our laptops and computers and 1.4 hours gaming.
Back pain is the leading cause of long-term sickness in the UK and is responsible for more than 15 million lost work days in 2013.
The most common cause of back pain are strained muscles or ligaments, wears and tears, bad posture and stress. Workstation factors that can affect your back include:
- Seating posture
- Computer screen position
- Chair height
- Keyboard position
- Mouse Position
- Desk equipment layout
If you are one of the many people that work in an office the next part will apply to you.
- When you’re sitting, you’re thighs should be at right angles to your body and your feet should be firmly on the floor, your feet on the floor will support your back.
Key points for lifting safely at work:
- Think before you lift
- Start in a good position
- Keep the load close to your waist
- Keep your back as straight as possible
- Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways
- Keep your head up
- Know your limits
- Push heavy objects, don’t pull them
- Distribute the weight evenly.
One more thing that is important whilst working in an office is make sure you take regular breaks, don’t sit for more than 20-30 minutes at a time – stand up to stretch, change position and walk around a little.